U.S. military confirms striking three Iranian oil tankers, with no injuries reported

The U.S. military confirmed that it struck three Iranian oil tankers after saying American naval vessels had faced missile attacks. It reported no injuries among U.S. personnel and warned that it would destroy Iran’s exposed oil fleet if necessary.

According to the U.S. statement, an aircraft carrier and a destroyer avoided “multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks” while patrolling the region. Two Iranian tankers were permanently disabled, while a third, which was empty, was destroyed. The United States said one tanker was hit near Kharg Island, another near Jask and the empty vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

The military said the tankers belonged to a “shadow fleet” that helps finance Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and its regional allies. Iran had earlier accused the United States of attacking an Iranian tanker near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf.

“This conflict nearly a week after the United States and Iran renewed their armed confrontation, ending a month of relative calm,” the report said. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper said: “We will not hesitate to defend U.S. forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.”

“

We will not hesitate to defend U.S. forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet.